Self shielded cyclotron radiation patch

ABSTRACT

A shield for a cyclotron housing, capable of being retro-fitted to preinstalled cyclotron housings, which have a base and door configured for relative movement between open and closed configurations is provided. The shield comprises plurality of shielding layers removably stacked on top of a pedestal that is mounted to the top of the housing via spacers defining space or air gap between the pedestal and housing. The shield is positioned above and extending between the gap between housing door and base, such that the shield is positioned within the trajectory of the cyclotron beam.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED SUBJECT MATTER

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/769,930, filed Nov. 20, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosed subject matter relates to a system for shields used with cyclotrons for shielding against radiation. Particularly, the present disclosed subject matter is directed to a removable shield assembly including a plurality of layered shield elements, which can be retro-fitted onto existing cyclotron systems.

The present disclosure is directed towards the field of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which includes imaging and measuring physiologic processes by injecting radioisotopes into a patient to assist in diagnosing and assessing disease progression/treatment. A cyclotron or particle accelerator is used to produce the radioisotopes. Conventional cyclotrons accelerate the particle beam and thereafter collide or bombard a target material (e.g. solid, liquid or gaseous) which is housed in a target holder or container of the cyclotron. The generation of the radioisotope results presents a health risk to the operators near the cyclotron, which in turn requires that adequate precautions be taken to protect or shield the operators from radiation exposure.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a shield for a cyclotron housing having a base and door configured for relative movement therebetween, the shield comprising: at least one shield layer, the at least one shield layer disposed above the cyclotron housing; a pedestal having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a width therebetween, the at least one shield layer disposed on the top surface of the pedestal; at least one spacer, the at least one spacer attaching the pedestal to the cyclotron housing with a gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing; wherein the at least one shield layer is removably attached to the pedestal.

In some embodiments, a plurality of shield layer shields is stacked symmetrically on top of the pedestal. In some embodiments, the at least one shield layer includes a plurality of homogenous shield layers, and the shield layer(s) can be disposed above the door throughout the range of motion of the door.

In some embodiments, the pedestal and shield layer(s) extend between the housing base and door, with the pedestal and shield layer(s) disposed within the trajectory of a cyclotron radiation beam.

In some embodiments, all the spacers are disposed on the housing base.

In some embodiments, all the spacers are disposed on the housing door.

In some embodiments, the pedestal is removably attached to the cyclotron housing.

In some embodiments, the at least one shield layer shields against neutron and gamma radiation. In some embodiments, the at least one shield layer is formed from borated polyethylene. In some embodiments, the at least one shield layer is configured as a rectangular plate.

In some embodiments, the gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing is a constant distance. In some embodiments, the gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing is a varied distance.

In some embodiments, the gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing is approximately 2-6 inches at a first location of the pedestal.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of various aspects, features, and embodiments of the subject matter described herein is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The drawings are illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale, with some components and features being exaggerated for clarity. The drawings illustrate various aspects and features of the present subject matter and may illustrate one or more embodiment(s) or example(s) of the present subject matter in whole or in part.

FIGS. 1-2 are schematic representations of an exemplary cyclotron systems which can be employed in connection with the radioisotope production system disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary cyclotron apparatus including moveable doors and shielding tanks, shown in an open configuration, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a front-perspective view of the cyclotron of FIG. 3, shown in a closed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the shielding apparatus disposed on a top surface of a cyclotron, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is a representation of another exemplary embodiment of the shielding apparatus disposed on a top surface of a cyclotron, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a representation of another exemplary embodiment of the shielding apparatus disposed on a top surface of a cyclotron, in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system. Similar reference numerals (differentiated by the leading numeral) may be provided among the various views and Figures presented herein to denote functionally corresponding, but not necessarily identical structures.

The present disclosure is directed towards a radioisotope production system that receives the output from a cyclotron, which is a type of particle accelerator in which a beam of charged particles (e.g., H−charged particles or D− charged particles) are accelerated outwardly along a spiral orbit. The cyclotron directs the beam into a target material to generate the radioisotopes (or radionuclides). Cyclotrons are known in the art, and an exemplary cyclotron is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,123,406, the entirety, including structural components and operational controls, is hereby incorporated by reference.

For example, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary cyclotron construction in which the particle beam is directed by the radioisotope production system 10 through the extraction system 18 along a beam transport path and into the target system 11 so that the particle beam is incident upon the designated target material (solid, liquid or gas). In this exemplary configuration, the target system 11 includes six potential target locations 15, however a greater/lesser number of target locations 15 can be employed as desired. Similarly, the relative angle of each target location 15 relative to the cyclotron body can be varied (e.g. each target location 15 can be angled over a range of 0°-90° with respect to a horizontal axis in FIG. 2). Additionally, the radioisotope production system 10 and the extraction system 18 can be configured to direct the particle beam along different paths toward the target locations 15.

FIG. 2 is a zoom-in side view of the extraction system 18 and the target system 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the extraction system 18 includes first and second extraction units 22. The extraction process can include stripping the electrons of the charged particles (e.g., the accelerated negative charged particles) as the charged particles pass through an extraction foil—where the charge of the particles is changed from a negative charge to a positive charge thereby changing the trajectory of the particles in the magnet field. Extraction foils may be positioned to control a trajectory of an external particle beam 25 that includes the positively-charged particles and may be used to steer the external particle beam 25 toward designated target locations 15. These target locations can include solid, liquid or gas targets.

In general, cyclotrons accelerate charged particles (e.g., hydrogen ions) using a high-frequency alternating voltage. A perpendicular magnetic field causes the charged particles to spiral in a circular path such that the charged particles re-encounter the accelerating voltage many times. The magnetic field maintains these ions in a circular trajectory and a D-shaped electrode assembly creates a varying RF electric field to accelerate the particles. As noted above, the cyclotron further includes a beam extraction system consists of a stripper foil, which changes the ion polarity to positive and directs the positively charged ions to hit a target material contained in a target container according to a target selection setting.

As shown in FIG. 3, the system 1000 depicts a general configuration for shielding a cyclotron 10, with the cyclotron 10 positioned between movable shields 100 and 300 which operate like doors, via driving unit to open to expose the cyclotron 10, and close to contain the cyclotron within the “housing” and serve as shields to the radiation generated therein. The moveable shield doors 100, 300 are hingedly attached to the fixed base shielding section 200. A driving unit 202 can be provided on the top surface of the housing and operated via hydraulics, pneumatics, or electric motor to extend a telescoping piston in order to pivot the doors 100, 300 to rotate open and closed. The doors 100, 300 as well as the base 200 can be configured as semi-hollow tanks which are filled with a medium (e.g. water mixed with boron and lead) to increase the density of the structure and thereby enhance the shielding effect. To offset this increased weight from the filled tanks, inflatable (e.g. air) cushions 400 can be provided on the bottom surfaces of the moveable doors 100, 300 to reduce friction and facilitate gliding of the tanks during the opening/closing movement.

In operation, the cyclotron 10 generates a particle beam that bombards target material located within target enclosure housed within the cyclotron 10 to produce a radioactive isotope which then decays. The decay of the isotope as well as other interactions generates gamma and neutron radiation that is reduced by the shields 100, 200, 300 to protect personnel in the vicinity of the cyclotron against unsafe levels of radiation.

While the design of the conventional cyclotron shielding structure provides adequate shielding properties from radiation attempting to penetrate outwardly through the sidewalls (i.e. laterally or horizontally), there is insufficient shielding provided from radiation attempting to penetrate vertically through the roof or ceiling of the cyclotron housing. Furthermore, conventional cyclotrons (e.g. General Electric PETtrace 880 model) are configured with the target material angled upwardly such that the cyclotron radiation beam trajectory is oriented, at least partially, in a vertical direction (as shown by dashed line “A” in FIG. 3). Consequently, there is an increased amount of radiation directed towards the roof or ceiling of the cyclotron housing.

Exacerbating this risk of radiation leak/escape is the shape of the moveable doors 100, 300 which can include chamfered or faceted edges, e.g. surface 110 as shown in FIG. 3, along the surface(s) that mate with the fixed base 200 when closed. In other words, the curved or faceted edges of the moveable doors, when closed, end up positioned in line with the trajectory of the radiation beam “A”—with the inherent gaps formed between the surfaces 110 and 200 serving as voids which allow the beam to escape/penetrate through the housing 1000.

Thus, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a shielding apparatus is provided above the doors 100 and base 200 to inhibit/prohibit radiation exposure. In an exemplary embodiment, the shielding apparatus can include a shield layer that is attached to the top surface of the cyclotron housing. The shielding can include a plurality of members layered on top of each other in a stack configuration. Each layer can be independently removable/replaceable, and can be formed of metal (e.g. steel, lead, aluminum) and borated polyethylene which serves to shield against gamma and neutron radiation generated during use of the cyclotron. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the boron content of the borated polyethylene can be varied across a range, with an exemplary embodiment containing approximately 5% boron.

In the exemplary embodiments shown, the shielding apparatus 500 includes a plurality of homogenous shield elements which are formed with a planar and symmetrical, e.g. square, configuration, however alternative designs are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, six discrete shield elements (501-506) are stacked together to form the shielding element; FIG. 6 depicts three discrete shield elements at location 500. The number of shields employed can be varied with respect to the location on the cyclotron housing. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the shield apparatus 500′ is positioned on the target side of the housing (i.e. where the target material is bombarded to form the desired isotope) which is exposed to a greater amount of radiation and neutron leakage thereby requiring additional shield layers than shield apparatus 500 on the opposite side of the housing.

Each shield element serves as a shield layer which incrementally reduces neutron and gamma radiation emitted during operation of a cyclotron. As previously noted, each shield layer can be independently removed replaced, which allows for non-homogenous shielding element. For example, an aggregate shielding apparatus 500 can be provided which exhibits a gradient in the shielding characteristics with the degree of shielding provided by each layer decreasing along stack height.

The interchangeability of the shield elements allows for upgrading or retrofitting of the layered shield to provide sufficient shielding appropriate for cyclotrons having higher or lower radiation energies. Similarly, the size and/or shape of the shield elements can be adjusted to accommodate different size cyclotron housings. This allows arrangements of the present disclosure that are specifically designed for the radiation emitted from specific cyclotron configurations.

The radiation shield layer(s) 500 are positioned on top of a base or pedestal 550, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the pedestal 550 is configured with the same dimensions as the stacked shielding layers 501. The pedestal can be formed of any material of sufficient strength and rigidity (e.g. steel, aluminum) to support the weight of the staked shield layers. The pedestal 560 can be removably, or permanently attached to the housing via the bolt pattern associated with the door construction/assembly (e.g. the pedestal can be attached via a retrofit to preexisting hardware on previously installed cyclotrons)

The base/pedestal(s) can be mounted on spacers 560, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. As previously noted, the spacers can be configured to adapt to preexisting hardware in the cyclotron. The spacers 560 can be formed of a variety of materials, e.g. nylon, provided they exhibit sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the shield layers and pedestal. For example, the spacers 560 can be configured for placement where pre-existing holes & fixtures (screes/nuts) of the driving unit 202 (for opening and closing the housing doors) resides. Also, the height of the spacers 560 can be sized to accommodate any elevation in the hinged doors (100, 200) caused by inflation of the cushions 400. In one embodiment, the spacers are approximately two inches in height and two inches in diameter, sufficient to permit the door to rotate open and closed. Thus, the shielding apparatus of the present disclosure can be retrofitted onto existing cyclotrons, while permitting the normal operation of the cyclotron doors to open and close without engaging/abutting the shielding apparatus components (e.g. spacers 560, pedestal 550 or shielding layers 500).

The number and placement of spacers 560 can vary depending on the size of the shielding apparatus (e.g. pedestal 550 and/or shielding layers 201). In some embodiments, the spacers 560 can all be mounted on a single component of the shielding apparatus. For example, spacers 560 can extend vertically from only the door portions 100, 300 and not be present on the housing base 200. Additionally, or alternatively, spacers 560 can extend vertically from only the (non-moveable, fixed) housing base 200 and not be present on the door portions 100, 300. Positioning all the spacers 560 on a single component allows for continued relative movement between housing parts (i.e. door 100, 300 can continue to rotate outwardly with respect to the base 200, if the spacer 560 were permanently mounted on both the door 100 and base 200, they would prohibit relative movement). Additionally, the spacers 560 serve to elevate the shielding apparatus 500 to create a gap or space between the cyclotron housing. This gap allows a flow of cooling air to pass underneath the shielding apparatus 500 thereby reducing any localized elevated temperatures experienced by the shielding apparatus 500 due to capture of the radiation beam “A”.

Although the spacers 560 can all be positioned on a single housing component (door or base) the pedestal 550 is sized and positioned to extend over the gap formed between two adjacent, but moveable, structures. For example, the pedestal 550, and corresponding shielding layers 501 can be attached to the base 200 proximate the faceted/curved edge 110 such that any radiation emitting from the housing through the space formed between the door/base is captured by the shielding apparatus which is positioned directly in line with the beam's trajectory “A”. Accordingly, the spacers 560 can be distributed in an equidistant manner across the lower surface of the pedestal. In some embodiments, the spacers 560 can be distributed in an non-uniform manner across the lower surface of the pedestal, e.g., the spacers 560 can be concentrated in select region(s) while leaving other regions (such as the near corner shown in FIG. 5) free of spacers. This configuration allows for a concentration or clustering of spacers to provide sufficient structural support to carry the weight of the shield layers, while keeping door section 100 free from structural connection to the pedestal which would inhibit/prohibit relative movement of the door. In such configurations, the pedestal and shield(s) can be stacked so as to overhang or project outwardly over the door/housing interface to block radiation leakage.

Alternatively, the shielding apparatus disclosed herein can be attached to the door(s) 100, 200 and extend over the space formed between the door/base engagement surfaces such that any portion of the radiation beam generated by the cyclotron is captured by the shielding apparatus which is positioned directly in line with the beam's trajectory “A”. The shielding apparatus 500 can be positioned at a location adjacent to the driving unit 202 piston, and employ existing hardware for attachment to the cyclotron housing.

The various embodiments disclosed herein are sufficient for shielding against radiation emitted during operation of a cyclotron having an energy level of approximately 16.5 MeV such as a General Electric PETtrace™ 880 cyclotron.

While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements may be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed. 

1. A shield for a cyclotron housing having a base and door configured for relative movement therebetween, the shield comprising: at least one shield layer, the at least one shield layer disposed above the cyclotron housing; a pedestal having a top surface and a bottom surface defining a width therebetween, the at least one shield layer disposed on the top surface of the pedestal; at least one spacer, the at least one spacer attaching the pedestal to the cyclotron housing with a gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing; wherein the at least one shield layer is removably attached to the pedestal.
 2. The shield of claim 1, wherein a plurality of shield layer shields are stacked symmetrically on top of the pedestal.
 3. The shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one shield layer includes a plurality of homogenous shield layers.
 4. The shield of claim 1, wherein the shield layer(s) is disposed above the door throughout the range of motion of the door.
 5. The shield of claim 1, wherein the pedestal and shield layer(s) extend between the housing base and door.
 6. The shield of claim 1, wherein the pedestal and shield layer(s) are disposed within the trajectory of a cyclotron radiation beam.
 7. The shield of claim 1, wherein all the spacers are disposed on the housing base.
 8. The shield of claim 1, wherein all the spacers are disposed on the housing door.
 9. The shield of claim 1, wherein at least one spacer is disposed proximate each edge of the pedestal.
 10. The shield of claim 1, wherein at least one spacer is disposed proximate each corner of the pedestal.
 11. The shield of claim 1, wherein all spacers are spaced from at least one corner of the pedestal.
 12. The shield of claim 1, wherein the pedestal is removably attached to the cyclotron housing.
 13. The shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one shield layer shields against neutron and gamma radiation.
 14. The shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one shield layer is formed from borated polyethylene.
 15. The shield of claim 1, wherein the at least one shield layer is configured as a rectangular plate.
 16. The shield of claim 1, wherein the gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing is a constant distance.
 17. The shield of claim 1, wherein the gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing is a varied distance.
 18. The shield of claim 1, wherein the gap between the bottom surface of the pedestal and the housing is at least approximately 2 inches at a first location of the pedestal.
 19. The shield of claim 1, further comprising a second pedestal disposed above the cyclotron housing, the second pedestal including at least one shield layer disposed thereon, wherein the second pedestal is spaced from a first pedestal.
 20. The shield of claim 19, wherein the first pedestal includes a first number of shield layers disposed thereon, and the second pedestal includes a second number of shield layers disposed thereon, with the first number of shield layers being different than the second number of shield layers. 